TeacherCon: FREE
Back-to-School Conference

ONLINE | August 9 – 11, 2024
TeacherCon has passed but you can still watch the recordings!

Get Your Free Pass




Calling All Educators!

Join us for a special mission at TeacherCon, the ultimate back-to-school conference celebrating educators as the true superheroes you are. Engage in a series of supercharged online 90-minute sessions that equip you with “power-ups” to feel refreshed, energized, and ready to conquer any classroom challenge you may face this school year!

P.S. Can’t make it live? Register and we will send you the recording!





The Complete TeacherCon Schedule

Unlock power-ups to harness your full potential and motivate your students this school year.

REST: Recharge Your Well-Being for Unstoppable Teaching

Day 1 | Register to watch the on-demand recording!

Unleash your full potential by conquering your rest deficit! Join Special Guest Expert Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, a physician and rest expert, in this keynote session to dive into the secrets of overcoming fatigue and reignite your passion for teaching through effective rest techniques. In this workshop, you will…

Uncover the root causes of fatigue and burnout, and why sleep isn’t enough
Learn what a rest deficit is and how to identify your unique rest deficit
Explore the 7 Types of Rest and learn how each can enhance your well-being and performance
Embark on a journey of self-care with practical strategies tailored to educators, helping you renew your energy and enthusiasm
Learn from a leading expert in the field and get your questions answered!

You will emerge from this session empowered to rejuvenate your teaching career and tap into the hidden strength, passion, and vitality within you.

(Note: PD certificates are issued to people who attend live.)

BREATHE: Unlock the Superpower of Breathwork for Teachers and Students

Day 2 | Register to watch the on-demand recording!

Prepare to harness the unstoppable power of breath! In this workshop, Founder & CEO Dr. Ilana Nankin, Director of School and District Solutions Dr. Kelli Sammis, and Superintendent Dr. Barbara Malkas will explore the evidence-based benefits of breathwork that will revolutionize your teaching practice. Dive into the world of supercharged breathing exercises designed to:

+ Enhance focus and attention
+ Reduce stress and burnout
+ Calm the mind and body
+ Energize teaching and learning

Together, we will master simple, powerful breathing exercises that seamlessly integrate into your daily routine, providing essential brain breaks for you and your students. By the end of the workshop, you’ll wield the science-backed knowledge of breathwork and possess a powerful tool-belt of breathing exercises to empower both you and your students throughout the school year!

(Note: PD certificates are issued to people who attend live.)

BELONG: The Secret Supercharger for Classroom Success

Day 3 | Register to watch the on-demand recording!

Discover the key to unlocking student potential! When students feel a sense of belonging in school, they’re more likely to engage positively with classroom activities, develop stronger social and emotional skills, and succeed academically. Join forces with Dr. Ilana Nankin, CEO, and Sam Levine, Associate Professor, in this interactive workshop to harness the transformative power of social-emotional learning and cultivating belonging. You will:

Understand why connection is considered the first C of classroom management
Explore the latest research on how belonging supercharges behavior, engagement, and academic achievement
Learn powerful strategies to ignite social-emotional learning and ultimately improve academic outcomes
Master evidence-based techniques to transform your classroom into a collaborative community where every learner feels safe and supported
Learn from experts in the field and get your questions answered!

Together, we’ll uncover the cutting-edge research and science of belonging and delve into practical strategies to build a harmonious classroom community where students not only learn but thrive.

(Note: PD certificates are issued to people who attend live.)





The Fantastic Four

Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, Guest Expert

Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is a Board-Certified internal medicine physician and work-life integration researcher whose work has been featured on TED, MSNBC, Forbes, and other national outlets. She is the founder of Restorasis, a professional development agency dedicated to restoring wellbeing in the workplace through its proprietary 7 Types of Rest Framework™.

Dr. Ilana Nankin, Founder

Dr. Ilana Nankin—the Founder & CEO of Breathe For Change—is an award-winning entrepreneur, teacher educator, and former public school teacher committed to using wellness as a vehicle for healing and social change. Ilana earned degrees in both psychology and education at UC Berkeley, and received her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at University of Wisconsin.

Sam Levine, Associate Professor

Sam Levine began his career as an educator, teaching ESL in the Middle East and middle school science in D.C. A seasoned entrepreneur in education, he’s held leadership roles at Amplify, Coursera, and Hone. Sam is also a certified coach, yoga teacher, and facilitator in transformational leadership. He earned a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University, focusing on mind-body practices.

Dr. Kelli Sammis, Associate Professor

Dr. Kelli Sammis has spent over 29 years in public education, ranging from classroom teacher to district Director of School Leadership. With a doctorate in curriculum from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, she has integrated mindfulness and yoga practices through programs at the school and district level, ensuring educators received tools for personal well-being that enhanced their professional practice.

With Special Guest Dr. Barbara Malkas

Dr. Barbara Malkas is the Superintendent of North Adams School District in Massachusetts. She has served as an educator for over 36 years and in 2024 was honored as Superintendent of the Year by the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents. In each of her roles, she strives to improve the quality of education for all students, particularly those representing underserved populations.

Dr. Malkas is a 500 hour certified yoga instructor through Breathe For Change. Recently, her district engaged with Breathe For Change as a research site identifying the positive outcomes for students and staff when these strategies are taught, used, and supported. Dr. Malkas resides in Clarksburg, MA with her husband, and their two dogs and cat. She is the proud parent of two young adults.